The answer will be inequitable as MATs etc begin to take on AP and transport. We’ll end up with an even bigger mess of variable provisions… oh and increased exclusions for SEND children.

Challenges in SEND: Accountability vs Actual Needs After three decades in education, 22 of those as a headteacher I’ve seen trends rise, fall, and occasionally come back with a new hat. But SEND has morphed from a challenge into a full-blown daily …

A blog- reflecting on Ofsted’s Inclusion criteria and the realities around SEND provision.

oldprimaryhead.com/2025/09/30/c...

I don’t think any government has the stomach for it because it will mean going against a system already locked in for far too many…

From the latest blog by @oldprimaryhead.bsky.social .“They juggle safeguarding, behaviour, home-school relationships, parenting, expectations, perceptions... Even if we gave our SENCos demi-god powers, they’d still need Sunday afternoon to catch up.“ and if you are a Head as well …

Challenges in SEND: Accountability vs Actual Needs After three decades in education, 22 of those as a headteacher I’ve seen trends rise, fall, and occasionally come back with a new hat. But SEND has morphed from a challenge into a full-blown daily …

A blog- reflecting on Ofsted’s Inclusion criteria and the realities around SEND provision.

oldprimaryhead.com/2025/09/30/c...

Best wishes.

Joint Headrest and HTRT Letter to Chair of House of Lords Appointments Commission re proposed peerage for Amanda Spielman. 31 March 2025 Dear Baroness Deech There has been substantial media coverage regarding the proposed peerage to be awarded to Amanda Spielman, the former Ofsted Chief Inspector. If these reports are …

Delighted that @headsroundtable.bsky.social and @headrestuk.bsky.social have published a joint open letter regarding the proposed peerage for Amanda Spielman.

headteachersroundtable.wordpress.com/2025/03/31/j...

Curriculum and Assessment Review: interim report An independent review of the curriculum and assessment system in England, with statistical analysis.

The next stage of the Curriculum and Assessment Review will look to create a more inclusive and fair system, address subject-specific challenges, and assess available pathways beyond GCSEs.

Find out more ➡️ www.gov.uk/government/p...

This is a hugely positive step forward and is so welcomed; a wise and inclusive approach to managing a significant brief that gives some much-needed clarity and purpose and our work.
Please do take the time to read and share.

Consultants selling training on new Ofsted system before it’s finalised School leaders are warned not to pay for courses that promise preparation for Ofsted changes that are still under consultation

The reality of the workload & anxiety induced by Ofsted is exposed in the pressure already being applied to school leaders. If there is genuine intention to reduce & work in partnership with school leaders this reality has to be acknowledged and addressed.
#ASCL2025
www.tes.com/magazine/new...

Important statement.

Well, this is exciting! Without me knowing (or even the cover being finalised), the book is already up for pre-sale!! www.waterstones.com/book/headtea...

Hamish Hawk at the Thekla tonight… gorgeous…

Ofsted framework will lead to 'army of expensive consultants' The Headteachers' Roundtable has also expressed concerns that inclusion and SEND are 'afterthoughts' in Ofsted's proposed inspection framework

The new Ofsted framework could lead to an “army of expensive consultants” and “how-to guides” as schools try to adapt to the new expectations, @headsroundtable.bsky.social has warned the inspectorate.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...

Really important piece from our colleagues @headsroundtable.bsky.social

Lessons from the Head’s Office Buy Lessons from the Head’s Office 1 by Walton, Brian (ISBN: 9781529767711) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.

Thinking of applying for a headship, or senior school role? This will help: www.amazon.co.uk/Lessons-Head...

I think it goes more wrinkles and less wisdom… definitely less wisdom.

Pretty good Jarlath! Great to see you on here. Same old same old… it’s just now I can kinda say I really am an Old Primary Head…

Stuck in the Mud: The New Ofsted Era There’s a new Sheriff in town—and any excuse-making, low-standard varmint better brace themselves. This isn’t just a shift; it’s a full-blown reckoning.  If you thought the o…

My New Blog - which died a death on X because no one is left...

Ofsted - The New Era and basically - A Rant

oldprimaryhead.com/2025/02/04/s...

Friday night listening

As part of the government’s drive to improve reading and writing, the department will also publish a writing framework in the summer, that will be a first step to support schools in delivering high quality writing provision across England ensuring all pupils have a strong foundation in writing.

Oh for goodness sake... We're in the midst of a curriculum review; why are they adding new deckchairs? 🙄
www.gov.uk/government/n...

More than 9 in 10 heads reject Ofsted’s report card plan The NAHT urges Ofsted to rethink its plans after its snap poll shows an overwhelming rejection from school leaders

92% of school leaders reject Ofsted’s new report card plans, according to a snap poll by @naht.org.uk – and almost all respondents said they do not expect the watchdog to make any meaningful changes as a result of its consultation

And you… it was getting dark.

Thank you

Thank you.

“If this new Ofsted era wants to be remembered as a genuine revolution, it must ditch the tired rhetoric of fear and judgement. As our CEO mentioned today – Ofsted have taught us one thing – no one really knows, after decades, how to accurately and fairly judge a school.”

At last… nice to see nicer people…

Hello, lovely people!

I've joined the nice place... be nice; or it all goes down hill from here...

Stuck in the Mud: The New Ofsted Era There’s a new Sheriff in town—and any excuse-making, low-standard varmint better brace themselves. This isn’t just a shift; it’s a full-blown reckoning.  If you thought the o…

My New Blog - which died a death on X because no one is left...

Ofsted - The New Era and basically - A Rant

oldprimaryhead.com/2025/02/04/s...